Silversea Luxury Cruises To CHARLESTON (South Carolina)

Savour a dose of legendarily warm and welcoming southern hospitality - while exploring a fairy-tale-pretty town of antiquated charm and deep-rooted history. The blend of antebellum architecture, cobbled streets and genuine smiles lends Charleston a disarmingly archaic, old-time allure, but there’s a darker side looming here. Intrinsic to the story of the United States, this quiet, peaceful town witnessed the first shots of war, as the nation slipped into its costliest tussle. View more

The cracks of gunfire and booms of cannons rang out at Fort Sumter, sparking the start of the American Civil War. Now a National Monument, sail out to visit the remains of the bombarded fortress where the Union and Confederate States first clashed. Wander between giant, squat canons - and arrive early to assist with the ceremonial hoisting of the now united stars and stripes, high into the morning sky. The McLeod Plantation Historic Site offers a fascinating insight into the foundations of the town’s wealth and beauty – having reaped prominence and prosperity on the backs of the slave labour that toiled in the plantations' lands. Hydrangeas glow in the wonderful sweeping grounds of Middleton Place, where verdant green lawns step down to glass-smooth lakes. Cool off from summer’s humid heat with a wander in the breeze of the Joe Riley Waterfront. The wooden boardwalk lays out views of the elegant span of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, and you can even strike it lucky and spot the noses of dolphins emerging from the waters. With so much history alive here in Charleston, uncover the ghosts of the past on a ghoulish night-time tour. Your guide will relay grisly tales, and paint creepy new impressions over the town’s unblemished facade.

An Introduction to Silversea Cruises

The romance of the seas, small ship sizes and intimate atmosphere, Silversea has long been a leader in the ultra-luxury market. Travelling to both iconic and secluded ports, Silversea’s award-winning itineraries inspire wanderlust and exploration. With over 900 destinations, longer port stays and more late-night departures than ever before, even the savviest traveler will find something new. A butler for every suite, a complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences, all-inclusive exquisite dining, award-winning onboard entertainment and an unparalleled space to guest ratio all contribute to the Silversea experience. Not forgetting our famed Italian hospitality, where new faces become old friends. Bienvenuti a bordo.

Excursions in CHARLESTON (South Carolina)

Discover a beautiful home and formal gardens dating from 1741 during this half-day, behind-the-scenes excursion to historic Middleton Place.

Charleston, Middleton Place, Formal Gardens, Stable Yards

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Middleton Place, a Registered National Historic Landmark and the plantation home of the Middleton family since 1741. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the magnificent Formal Gardens (the oldest in America) laid out by Henry Middleton in 1741. Afterward, explore the stable yards, a living outdoor museum where the behind-the-scenes story of life on an 18th-century plantation is told with animals, artefacts and craft exhibits.

Middleton Place & House Museum

Next, proceed for a special guided tour of the Middleton House, which is furnished with heirlooms from the Middleton family. Along the way, explore the family's history through the important house museum collections. These collections include magnificent portraits of the Middleton family including furnishings that would have been in the house in the 18th and 19th centuries. Following your tour, some free time is made available to browse the gift shop. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.76 miles (about 1.22 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 20 steps at Middleton Place. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. Photography and videography are prohibited inside Middleton House. The tour sequence may vary.

Explore the only tea plantation in the United States during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion to the Charleston Tea Plantation.

Charleston, Marshlands, Live Oak-Canopied Roads, Sea Island

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Charleston Tea Plantation. Nestled on a serene sea island near the historic city of Charleston, it is the only tea plantation in the United States. En route, drive across beautiful marshlands and along lovely, live oak-canopied roads. In addition, learn about the history of the large plantations that once occupied these islands, and hear stories of the unique culture and language of the sea island black people who worked these plantations.

Over 100 years ago, tea planters brought their finest tea bushes from China, India and Ceylon to the South Carolina low-country. Today, the descendants of those very plants are growing strong here. As you enter the Charleston Tea Plantation, see thousands of tea plants growing on acres-and-acres of rich, fertile, low-country soil. A guided stroll under the avenue of oaks takes you to the porch of the factory, which affords splendid panoramic views of the plantation. Afterward, take an informative, narrated trolley tour of the grounds and tea fields, and a walking tour of the Tea Factory. Following your tour, some free time is made available to browse the gift shop.

Farmland, Forests,St. John's Episcopal Church, Angel Oak

Next, re-board your coach and continue driving past rich farmland and lush forests, then pass by St. John's Episcopal Church en route to the Angel Oak, a 300-year-old live oak tree. After a photo stop here, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 600 yards (about 549 metres), at times over uneven and grassy surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the trolley, and five steps at the Tea Factory. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Learn about the rich history of the city and the way Charleston cuisine is related to that history during a series of tasting stops at some downtown culinary gems.

Charleston is rich in both history and food. The rice grown here in the 1700s and 1800s made this city the wealthiest in Colonial America. This wealth allowed the planters who grew the rice, and the merchants and factors who marketed and transported it, to entertain lavishly with sumptuous banquets. The enslaved Africans who were brought here to work the rice fields brought with them the sweet potato, benne seed, okra and collard greens, among other southern favourites. Along with settlers from England, Charleston's population included French Huguenots, Sephardic Jews, and settlers from Germany, Scotland and Ireland. All of these groups contributed to Charleston cuisine.

Today Charleston has over seven hundred restaurants and fantastic chefs, many of whom have been awarded the coveted James Beard award for excellence. Today these chefs use not only beef and pork which were the most popular meats in the 1700's but also seafood which was abundant in the lowcountry. Many chefs also embrace the farm to table philosophy and outsource to local and regional farms.

Places visited may include a southern barbecue restaurant for a taste of barbecue and corn pudding, Callie's Hot little biscuit for a delicious mini biscuit, the spice and tea exchange, Byrd Cookie Company, River Street, a sweet grass basket artist, and a book store in case you want to take home some authentic Charleston receipts.

At the conclusion of your culinary experience, commence the short walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 600 yards (about 549 metres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience a slice of life in 18th-century Charleston during this picturesque, half-day excursion through the old walled city section of Charles Towne.

Charleston,Old Powder Magazine, Churches, Dock St. Theatre, Four Corners of the Law

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour down lovely streets and lanes of the 1704 walled city of Charles Towne. Along the way, view the marvellous architecture of homes built more than a century ago, peek into the exquisite private gardens of this quaint old city, and savour the sweet aroma of tea olive and magnolia trees. Renowned landmarks to be seen include the Old Powder Magazine, St. Phillips Episcopal Church, Dock St. Theatre, Four Corners of the Law, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, First Scots Presbyterian Church, and Rainbow Row.

Heyward Washington House, St. Michael's Episcopal Church

Highlights of your guided stroll include a special curator's tour of the Heyward-Washington House, c. 1772. This lovely home-turned-museum houses the finest collection of Charleston-made furniture in the city, and has one of the city's few remaining kitchen houses still in its original state. Following your tour, iced tea and benne cookies are served. Your Charleston experience concludes with a brief stop at St. Michael's Church, c.1761, before commencing the approximately 30-minute walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate at the Heyward Washington House. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. The tour sequence may vary.Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore the wonderful old homes, buildings and churches of Charleston in a unique new way during this scenic, horse-drawn carriage excursion through this historic city.

Charleston, Horse-Drawn Carriage-Ride

Depart the pier for the short walk to the horse-carriage stand. Upon arrival, receive your safety and tour instructions, climb aboard the horse-drawn carriage and begin your guided tour through the streets of historic Charleston.

During this leisurely ride through the narrow streets and alleyways, pass by beautifully-restored, 18th century and 19th century homes, buildings and churches. Along the way, your guide relates 300 years of history to the accompaniment of horse's hooves clopping along the pavement. The scent of tea olive from nearby gardens lingers in the air whilst you take in wonderful views and photo opportunities of this lovely old city. At the conclusion of the tour, return to the horse-carriage stand and commence the short walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 600 yards (about 549 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the carriage. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. The carriages have to draw for their tour zone. There are five different zones; therefore, our description is very general for this tour. Regardless of the zone selected, guests see beautiful historic homes, churches and public buildings in all zones. The tour sequence may vary.Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

This tour is for disembarking guests with flights after 1:30pm from the Charleston International Airport.

Explore the wonderful old homes, buildings and churches of Charleston during this overview tour of the historic city. Charleston is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the south. Its stately homes with their lovely gardens, her magnificent public buildings and her majestic churches will enchant you.

During this panoramic drive through the narrow streets and alleyways, pass by beautifully-restored, 18th century and 19th century homes, buildings and churches. Along the way, your guide relates 300 years of history to the accompaniment of horse's hooves clopping along the pavement. The scent of tea olive from nearby gardens lingers in the air whilst you take in wonderful views and photo opportunities of this lovely old city.

This tour concludes at the Charleston International Airport and is recommended for guests with flights after 1:30pm.

Please note: This tour is available to debarking guests only. It involves aminimal amount of walking and is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair; however, guests must be able to board the coach via steps and wheelchairs will be stowed in the coach cargo compartment. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this tour.

Hotels in CHARLESTON (South Carolina)

Our Simply Hotel selection is the perfect choice for those who want a centrally located setting from which to discover - or rediscover - the city. Rooms in these 4.5 and 5-star properties are generally Standard Double or King rooms that provide comfortable accommodations and superior service for those who wish to extend their trip with a cultural or shopping experience in some of the world's most iconic cities.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel brands that we consistently feature include Intercontinental, JW Marriott, Fairmont or the Conrad Group.

Grande Hotel is for those who want to begin or prolong their Silversea holiday - luxury accommodations, exclusive service and impeccable attention to detail in style. Grande Hotel guests appreciate the finer things in life. These properties have been chosen not only for their prime location but for their outstanding service and their exceptional quality.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel groups that are frequently featured in our program include Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Peninsula or Fairmont to name just a few.

Located at the very heart of downtown Charleston, in the historic district and within walking distance of all the major attractions, Belmond Charleston Place is the perfect base for a city adventure. We effortlessly blend gentility and old-world charm with a leading-edge spa and innovative cuisine. With over 434 rooms and 80 club level suites on property, in addition to the award winning Charleston Grill, guests will be able to sit back and relax for an unforgettable escape.

HALIFAX (Nova Scotia)

MONTREAL

NEW YORK

QUEBEC CITY

SAN JUAN

An Introduction to Silversea Cruises

The romance of the seas, small ship sizes and intimate atmosphere, Silversea has long been a leader in the ultra-luxury market. Travelling to both iconic and secluded ports, Silversea’s award-winning itineraries inspire wanderlust and exploration. With over 900 destinations, longer port stays and more late-night departures than ever before, even the savviest traveler will find something new. A butler for every suite, a complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences, all-inclusive exquisite dining, award-winning onboard entertainment and an unparalleled space to guest ratio all contribute to the Silversea experience. Not forgetting our famed Italian hospitality, where new faces become old friends. Bienvenuti a bordo.